Conducting a Successful SNAP EBT Sign-Up Day:

Transcription

1 Conducting a Successful SNAP EBT Sign-Up Day: Farmers Markets and Direct Marketing Farmers January 12 th, 2016

2 Agenda What is a Sign-Up Day? Benefits Key Players Logistics Staffing Equipment Providers Three Stations Publicity Tips for Success Stories from the Field FNS Support of Markets and Farmers Questions

3 What is a Sign-Up Day? Day-long event for markets/farmers to become SNAPauthorized One-stop-shop Fast/easy way for markets/farmers to participate in SNAP

4 Benefits of Sign-Up Days Enable more SNAP participants to shop at markets; increasing their access to fresh/local fruits and vegetables Support local farmers/markets through simplified application process Help markets and farmers grow their business Support local economies/communities

5 Key Players YOU! State agencies, Non-profits, Other local partners/advocates FNS Regional Offices Retail Operations Division (ROD) RQAB (sometimes) Equipment Providers Contact FMC two weeks in advance!

6 Logistics Work with stakeholders. Identify: Potential attendees (Is there a critical mass?) Availability of Key Players General location (In a city? Rural setting? City outskirts?) Secure Adequate Space (Large Room or Facility) State agency (HHS, Department of Agriculture, etc.) University or community college Community center Non-profit, market, or other partners office space Hotel conference room

7 Logistics Equipment and Supplies Laptops Internet Connection/Hotspots Paper Applications Chairs/Seating Copier/Printer/Scanner Pens, Post-Its, etc. Local and State information on other programs (food incentives, SNAP-Ed, etc.) Vendor/Equipment Provider Information

8 Staffing Event Manager Application Data Entry Personnel (2 to 4 individuals) Can be any person with E-auth access ROD On-site Application Approval Staff (2 to 4 individuals) KENT.WELLS@fns.usda.gov Equipment Providers If available, you must contact and set up representation State EBT supported vendor (if there is a specific one) FMC station for markets and farmers to register State SNAP Representative

9 Equipment Providers MarketLink Amy Crone MerchantSource Kim Lyons TSYS Chris Shanahan Jason Butts

10 Three Stations Station 1: Application Entry Copies of paper application Application Data Entry Personnel Station 2: SNAP Authorization ROD Staff and needed supplies Approval Packets Copier/Printer/Scanner Station 3: Equipment Provider/FMC Registration Attending equipment provider staff and materials (as available) Laptop/Station for FMC registration Contact FMC two weeks in advance! State EBT vendor (as available)

11 Publicity Inform FNS and FMC when you have a sign-up day so that your event can be added to the centralized list and promoted online Mary.Hulse@fns.usda.gov Jen@farmersmarketcoalition.org Collaborate and promote through local and State partnerships Farm Bureau Agricultural Cooperative Extension Offices Universities and community colleges High schools Civic organizations/foundations Farmers markets Libraries Hospitals/clinics Senior/childcare centers Food Banks/Pantries Think outside the box!!! Publicize to local media using article/flyer and photo Utilize social media

12 Tips for Success Create welcoming atmosphere Be flexible Attendance can vary Creative use of available space Differing expectations Ensure adequate supplies Internet access/hotspots Paper applications Pens Chairs/seating Printer paper Business Cards

13 Tips for Success Test all equipment prior to arrival Have signage/posters/banners for event Provide water and snacks for applicants and staff Create system for counting individuals who attend event Have personnel able and willing to answer questions

14 Stories from the Field Kevin FNS Northeast Regional Office

15 FNS Support of Markets and Farmers FY12 Equipment Funds (still available) Famers Market Coalition Farmers Market SNAP Support Grants (FMSSG) Technical assistance and training Sign-Up Days Monthly Conference calls SNAP Farmers Market Website (ongoing project)

16 Questions? Rogelio Carrasco